Missouri is taking decisive action to keep its beloved Kansas City Chiefs and Royals within state lines amid incentives from neighboring Kansas. Governor Mike Parson announced that Missouri will formulate an aid package aimed at preventing the renowned football and baseball teams from relocating across the border.
Stadium Financing in Kansas
Kansas has already approved a plan to finance up to 70% of the construction costs for new stadiums for the Chiefs and Royals. This move places significant pressure on Missouri to deliver a competitive counter-offer. Currently, the Chiefs and Royals have played for over 50 years in side-by-side stadiums located in eastern Kansas City, with their existing leases running until 2031.
Royals owner John Sherman made it clear that the team will not play at Kauffman Stadium beyond the 2030 season, emphasizing the urgency for Missouri to act. "We're going to make sure that we put the best business deal we can on the line," said Parson, indicating the state’s commitment to keeping the teams.
Missouri's Funding Challenges
Earlier this year, Jackson County, Missouri voters declined to approve a sales tax that would have provided financial support for a planned $2 billion downtown ballpark district for the Royals, as well as an $800 million renovation of the Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium. This setback highlights the financial and political challenges Missouri faces in securing the long-term futures of its teams on their side of the state line.
Despite these challenges, Parson remains bullish. "Look, I can't blame Kansas for trying. You know, if I was probably sitting there, I'd be doing the same thing. But at the end of the day, we're going to be competitive," he said, underscoring Missouri’s resolve to retain its teams as key local economic and cultural assets.
Upcoming Proposals and Timeline
Parson didn’t provide specific details but assured that a proposal would be in place soon. "I think by the end of this year, we're going to have something in place," he stated. "Has to work out on paper, where it's going to be beneficial to the taxpayers of Missouri," Parson added, stressing that any deal must be financially sound and publicly acceptable.
Meanwhile, across the country, other cities are also investing significantly in their sports infrastructure. For example, Jacksonville, Florida, recently approved a $1.25 billion stadium renovation plan for the NFL's Jaguars, with costs split between the city and the team. Such efforts underscore the increasing investments municipalities are willing to make to retain their sports teams.
End of Term Considerations
Governor Parson’s term ends in January, and he does not anticipate calling a special legislative session before he leaves office. This puts added pressure on his administration to deliver a viable aid package quickly. "The Kansas City Chiefs and Royals are big business," Parson noted, emphasizing the significant economic impact these teams have on the region.
As Missouri and Kansas continue their tug-of-war over the Chiefs and Royals, the future of these storied franchises hangs in the balance. The Kansas Department of Commerce has not yet set a timeline for finalizing their deal, leaving room for Missouri to put forth its own competitive package.
For Missouri fans and taxpayers alike, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether their teams stay home or find new addresses just across the state line.